Ta Ta!!

Rahul Dravid on Ganguly, "On the off side, first there is god, and then there is Sourav Ganguly."

On Kumble "The Muhammed Ali of Cricket"

Last couple of weeks brought curtails to two of the greatest cricketers of my era, Sourav Ganguly aka Dada and Anil Kumble aka Jumbo. Their services have been stupendous not only to Indian cricket but to world cricket itself.

Sourav Ganguly who made his mark with debut century at Lord’s inundated the world cricket with his immense hand eye coordination. He was the one of the best exquisite timers of cricket ball in the history. His habit of playing long innings and carrying the burden of responsibility was truly inspiring. The rate, at which he scored the runs, at one point, seemed like he would pass by Tendlya sooner but a lean patch followed by rift with coach cost him the place in Team India. But his habit of resurrection never got withered with the winds of criticism all over the world by cricket analysts. Even though he was pegged back by one and all for a year and half, he could able rise from the ashes strongly and this time, rejuvenated Dada meant more business than anytime before. He was literally at the highest point of his concentration; he was more sensible, serene and prudent in shot selection. Last two yrs of his career, he was the fulcrum of test team of India. He was undone by the onus, during Dravid’s lean patch, of carrying the team in tumultuous times.

However, Dada will be more remembered for his captaincy. His was a skillful leader. He took over the captaincy and groomed youngsters to be competitive cricketers. He was mentor for Yuvi, Zaheer, Bhajji, Sehwag and even Dhoni and many more. He backed them both in celebrations and chaos. Team India of 90’s and before then was known to be a soft, humble, unassuming and defensive. Since Dada took over the reigns, there has been a sea change in the approach of the players. Now the team is known for its commanding, imposing and never say die attitude and unyielding aggression. Since his time, India won more matches on foreign turfs. He himself alone changed the face of a nation in approaching a game. His mind games and on field attack were second to none. His gamesmanship had left best of the best in tatters. His captaincy days will remain as the golden era of Indian Cricket.

Anil Kumble, aka, Jumbo one of the finest cricketer history has ever seen. His leg break/medium pace bowling had flummoxed best players too. He had a look of, bespectacled, first bench studious guy when he first stepped into international arena. But looks proved to be deceptive as his bowling was a bundle of bewilderment. He has won more matches than anyone else for India. His flippers allowed him to bag those many number of wickets. He was too quick in the air and too gentle with the spin. His feat of grabbing all 10 wickets against Pakistan shows the volume of his strength. That was one special day not only for Kumble, but for all the cricket lovers. His potential often been questioned in regards to his performance outside the sub-continent. But his touring, to Australia in 2003-04 for Border-Gavaskar Trophy and triumphs over England and West Indies, had vindicated his ability.

His commitment to cricket/profession has been as sacred as water of river Ganges. His self-sacrificing approach to embrace the game and uplift the morale will allow him stand tall above par with his contemporary players. For more than a decade he had been one unsolved puzzle of lethal stealth for players all over the world. He truly deserves to be the third highest wicket taker of all time in Test Matches. Currently he is the leading wicket taker for India.

The two of the five giants had bidden adieu in the same series and good thing about their retirement is the timing. Both the players knew exactly when their timing was up and that is why both heroes left the arena with grace and bliss. This would be one denting blow to Indian cricket but instead of looking to fill the gap new comers should look to play to their ability.

Finally, the sight of Kumble bowling with a blow to his head, fourteen overs on trot with untiring determination against WI was one of the defining moments of selflessness and loyalty to work.

The scene of Dada waving his shirt on the balcony of Lord’s had changed the mind of Indian cricket follower forever and it remained as one of the most celebrated milestones of Indian cricket.

I am happy to have witnessed the heroics of Ganguly and Kumble. I wish them good luck in their retirement.